Liverpool Rumours Archive January 02 2015

02 Jan 2015 19:52:48
Eds how many can you see going out the door in the summer? And do you think, more importantly, the wage bill can be wrangled under control then? Not really looking for names or numbers just do you think it can be addressed in one window. Thanks a bunch as always, and all the best for the new year, Eds 001 and 002 in particular for all the work you put in to the posts.

{Ed002's Note - The summer is a long way off. I appreciate the fans want to change all of the players every year and then blame another year on transition on the poor results. Fortunately the owners are not quite as dumb as the fans.}

02 Jan 2015 22:45:58
Without mentioning numbers so as not to upset some;

"High" earners leaving/current contract expiring: Gerrard & Johnson

"Medium" earners likely to be leaving/contract expiring: Toure, Lucas, Skrtel, Enrique

"Medium-low" earners likely to be leaving/contract expiring: Aspas, Borini, Assaidi, Jones

Likely selection of younger players on first team contracts moving on: Wisdom, Alberto, Suso

I think a large chunk will be wiped off the wage bill through Gerrard, Johnson & Toure's contract expiring.

With the other players, my guess is that we won't be selling many for profit, some we may even have to let go for nothing/make a wage contribution for remaining term on contract.

I assume we will have a few players going on to improved contracts: Sterling, Flanagan, Coutinho,

02 Jan 2015 23:00:42
Personally, I reckon our squad is probably too big and an awful loot are obviously not of the quality we need. We need a good dig out and a smaller but higher quality pool.

To be fair, I don't feel we really need to add anyone apart from the departing free agents and even then, that's up for debate as to whether they need replacing or not. Can in for Gerrard, Flanagan in for Johnson and do we really need another CB? The way it's looking at the minute, Rodgers may not be manager come next season, so I would expect us to improve defensively with or without signings, if Rodgers is to leave.

03 Jan 2015 02:17:49
ForzaRed. Do you not think Wisdom will be given a chance next year!? Having a good loan season of consistent PL football! I would have him back now over Johnson, Skrtel and Lovren! I also think he is a far better defender than Flanagan, whom I think is very much over-rated.

03 Jan 2015 08:11:54
Flanagan is overrated ?! yous is going to be a hard person to impress

03 Jan 2015 10:05:18
Unfortunately Flan lacks real pace and will always be caught out. Doesn't have the physique for CB to emulate Carra either

03 Jan 2015 20:14:16
Thanks guys, Forza in particular. ;) I wasn't trying to sound like I want players gone or think everyone of our players should be tossed for not being good enough, I'm actually optimistic the youngsters and the first team squad has a very strong backbone to build from, was really just wondering if the wage bill could be brought under control in one window since we're currently spending too much.

02 Jan 2015 13:39:41
Hi Edds,

Is Shaqiri realistic this jan?

It seems we have been chasing him for a while.

I feel this means sterling will be gone in summer and Ibe coming into 1st team if Shaqiri comes.

{Ed001's Note - not sure how you get the idea that bringing in Shaqiri means Sterling will be gone and Ibe will be added to the first team, no idea how that makes sense but it doesn't look likely he will arrive anyway, in January.}

02 Jan 2015 18:17:16
More likely we can agree a deal with him arriving in the Summer Ed?

02 Jan 2015 00:39:11
Are there any legs to the new shaqiri rumours that have surfaced today?
Guglielmo Cannavale has claimed we've lodged a bid.

Liverpool have made an offer to Bayern for Shaqiri on a perm deal. Inter and Juventus a loan with an obligation to buy [Sky Italy]

02 Jan 2015 10:33:16
He may come with the news that Gerrards leaving. Shaqiri is a strong lad who gets forward well, just like Gerrard used to a few seasons back. Shaqiri may be tempted with the chance to be the new main man.

02 Jan 2015 12:52:40
Shaquiri is a quality player but I am not sure he is what we need most.